A.C.E. For The Homeless 2009 Gala

New York, NY, June 4, 2009 – The Association for Community Employment for the Homeless (A.C.E.) honored leaders in the world of philanthropy, business, media and fine art at their dinner gala last night, Wednesday, June 3rd, at Guastavino’s Restaurant, in New York City. This year’s gala Chairs were Sara Herbert-Galloway and Barry Klarberg.

The theme of the event was “Coming Together to Celebrate Hands at Work,” in recognition of the extraordinary work of A.C.E. program participants who help keep lower Manhattan one the cleanest areas in the City as well as the staff and volunteers who make up the organization.

The evening’s emcee was TV host/best-selling author, Rita Cosby. Kicking-off the dinner portion of the evening, Academy Award-nominated IMPACT Repertory Theater performed two songs, while critically acclaimed music producer, Beco Dranoff, acted as DJ, filling the night with classic and contemporary bossa nova and world music.

Says A.C.E. founder, Henry Buhl: “Last night was a roaring success! As our Foundation continues to aid the homeless of New York City, the importance of our annual gala is clearer now maybe than ever before. We are honored and touched by our patrons who continue, even in the present climate, to support us. This year’s outstanding group of honorees added greatly to the success of the evening.”

The Association of Community Employment for the Homeless is a non-profit organization designed to help empower New York City's homeless men and women to re-enter the workforce and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. Beginning with an intensive four to six month vocational rehabilitation – incorporating work experience, job-readiness workshops and one-on-one counseling – the Association later assists graduates with opening bank accounts, securing full-time employment, and finding permanent housing. A.C.E.'s unique strategy has been wildly successful.

The SoHo, TriBeCa and NoHo/Bowery Partnerships, district initiatives of A.C.E., their namesake districts and the people who live and work there. Through its memberships and donations, participants of the Partnerships’ programs clean the streets of SoHo, TriBeCa and NoHo/Bowery on a daily basis as part of its vocational training. The program thus serves program clients as well as the neighborhoods, keeping these historic areas beautiful, and fostering a sense of community.